Last modified: Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Libraries at three IU campuses make redistricting software available to public
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 29, 2011
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Three Indiana University campuses currently are offering access to computers with redistricting software and data for public input.
Sen. Sue Landske (R-Cedar Lake), chair of the Senate Elections Committee, and Rep. Eric Koch (R-Bedford), chair of the House Elections Committee, announced the initiative the day access became available on March 24.
Every 10 years when new U.S. Census information becomes available, legislative and congressional districts in Indiana are re-drawn with input from the General Assembly and a redistricting commission. When the U.S. Census figures were released on Dec. 21, 2010, Indiana retained its current allotment of nine congressional districts, with Republicans controlling six of Indiana's currently congressional districts and Democrats controlling three.
While Indiana gives its lawmakers the first chance to re-draw legislative and congressional districts, if the General Assembly fails to enact a redistricting plan, a redistricting commission must draw the lines. Indiana is one of a few states to use a hybrid method of redistricting through which public input also is considered. The Indiana governor has veto power over both congressional and legislative plans.
The IU Libraries were selected as public spaces for redistricting input for a number of reasons. As a nonpartisan entity with public branches in South Bend, Indianapolis and Bloomington, among others, IU Libraries have both the appropriate equipment for this endeavor and staff who can assist with the process. "IU Libraries offer convenient access for most of the public to participate," said Jeff Linder, IU's associate vice president for public affairs and government relations.
"IU Libraries have a history of supporting the needs of the state of Indiana, and this is just another way our libraries can help our state," said Brenda L. Johnson, Ruth Lilly Dean of University Libraries.
The public locations are the following:
Indiana University, Bloomington
Herman B Wells Library
1320 E. 10th St.
Bloomington, IN, 47405
Government Information and Kent Cooper Services (East Tower 2)
Telephone: 812-855-0100
The computer is on the second floor.
www.libraries.iub.edu
Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
University Library
755 W. Michigan St.
Indianapolis, IN, 46202
Telephone: 317-274-8278
The computer is located on the fourth floor.
https://www.ulib.iupui.edu/
Indiana University South Bend
Schurz Library
1700 Mishawaka Ave.
South Bend, IN, 46634-7111
Telephone: 574-520-4421
The computer is on the main floor of the library.
https://library.iusb.edu/
Normal hours of operation will be in effect at these facilities and paid parking is available.
Individuals who wish to submit redistricting plans should send them to Landske and Koch at the following addresses:
Sen. Sue Landske
Statehouse, 200 W. Washington St.
Room 3B-N
Indianapolis, IN, 46204
Rep. Eric Koch
Statehouse, 200 W. Washington St.
Room 4A-5
Indianapolis, IN, 46204
Plans also can be shared at any Senate or House Election Committee meeting. Plans should be submitted in the form of a shape file and a BIN file (Excel data file).
Individuals can submit a plan for any of the following:
- The entire state for all 100 House districts, 50 Senate districts and nine Congressional districts;
- All 100 seats of the Indiana House of Representatives;
- All 50 seats of the Indiana Senate; or
- All nine Congressional districts.
Individuals should include their name, address, telephone number, email address and the name of any organization or group that they are representing along with plans.
Under the Indiana Constitution, the General Assembly elected during the year in which a federal decennial census is taken shall fix by law the number of senators and representatives and apportion them among districts according to the number of inhabitants in each district, as revealed by that census.
For more resources related to Indiana Redistricting, see https://www.libraries.iub.edu/index.php?pageId=1002489.
